Brass is widely used in machining, fittings, and decorative parts. However, choosing between Brass 260 and Brass 360 often raises questions. These two alloys look almost the same, yet they behave differently in use. Knowing their main differences lets you choose the one that best fits your project.
Brass 260 is strong and resistant to corrosion. It is often used for drawn parts such as tubes and cartridges. Brass 360, on the other hand, is popular because of its excellent machinability. It works best for machined parts like valves, fittings, and hardware. The choice depends on how the part is made, the needed mechanical properties, and the project’s budget.
Brass 260 and Brass 360 each offer unique strengths. Please keep reading to see how their properties compare and where each alloy fits best.
What is Brass 260?
Brass 260 is a copper-zinc alloy often called cartridge brass because it has long been used to make ammunition casings. Its high copper content gives it a yellow-gold color and strong resistance to corrosion.
This alloy belongs to the alpha brass family, which means it has a single-phase structure. As a result, it offers good cold-working properties. Manufacturers can easily shape it under pressure using cechowanie, formowanie, Lub wytłaczanie.
Composition and Material Properties
The typical composition of Brass 260 is 70% copper and 30% zinc. Small traces of other elements may be present, but copper and zinc define most of its behavior.
The higher copper ratio gives the alloy good ductility. This means it can stretch and deform without breaking. It also provides solid strength compared to pure copper. Brass 260 has moderate hardness, good corrosion resistance, and excellent electrical and thermal conductivity in most environments.
Common Applications of Brass 260
Brass 260 is widely used in industries that need strong yet workable materials. One of its main uses is in ammunition cartridges. It also appears in radiator cores and heat exchangers because it transfers heat efficiently.
Engineers often select Brass 260 for tubing, especially when the material must be drawn into thin-walled shapes. Due to its bright finish, it is found in everyday products such as lamp fixtures, musical instruments, and decorative parts.
In the electrical field, its good conductivity makes it useful for connectors and terminals. Manufacturers prefer Brass 260 when the part requires heavy forming rather than machining.
What is Brass 360?
Brass 360 is a copper-zinc-lead alloy, often called free-machining brass. Its unique feature is its lead content. Unlike copper and zinc, lead does not fully dissolve but remains in tiny particles.
These particles act as built-in lubricants during machining. They help cutting tools work faster and last longer, giving Brass 360 its reputation as the most machinable copper alloy.
Composition and Material Properties
The typical composition of Brass 360 is 60% copper, 35% zinc, and about 3% lead. Copper provides strength and resistance to corrosion. Zinc improves hardness and lowers cost compared to higher-copper alloys. Lead makes machining much easier without reducing overall strength significantly.
Brass 360 offers excellent cutting and drilling performance. It also provides good mechanical strength and decent corrosion resistance. However, it is less ductile than Brass 260, which limits its use in deep drawing or heavy bending. On the other hand, it is highly effective for obrócenie, przemiałoraz gwintowanie.
Common Applications of Brass 360
Brass 360 is widely used in industries that rely on high-volume machining. It is common in plumbing fittings, valves, and hose couplings, where strength and corrosion resistance are required.
The alloy is also used for fasteners such as nuts, bolts, and screws. Its machinability allows precise threads and consistent dimensions. It appears in connectors, terminals, and switch components in the electrical industry thanks to its conductivity and ease of processing.
Decorative hardware, clocks, and instruments also make use of Brass 360. Its smooth surface finish and attractive color make it a popular choice. Manufacturers choose Brass 360 when the main priorities are speed, precision, and cost efficiency in machining.
Brass 260 vs Brass 360: Critical Differences
Brass 260 and Brass 360 serve different needs in engineering and manufacturing. Each alloy has unique strengths that make it more suitable for specific applications. Below is a breakdown of how they compare in key areas.
Mechanical Strength and Performance
Brass 260 has a higher copper content, which gives it better ductility. It can handle bending and drawing without cracking. Its typical tensile strength is 310–455 MPa, and its yield strength is around 95–165 MPa. This makes it well-suited for forming processes.
Brass 360, in contrast, offers greater hardness and strength. Its tensile strength is usually 345–620 MPa, and its yield strength is about 95–200 MPa. However, it is more brittle than Brass 260. For this reason, Brass 360 works better in precision parts that need strength but are not deep-forming.
Odporność na korozję
Both alloys resist corrosion in normal environments. Brass 260, with its higher copper percentage, performs better in fresh water, mild atmospheres, and low-salinity conditions.
Brass 360 also resists corrosion but is less suitable for aggressive settings such as seawater. Brass 260 often shows slower dezincification in salt spray tests than Brass 360. When corrosion resistance is a top priority, Brass 260 usually lasts longer.
Przewodność elektryczna i cieplna
Brass 260 conducts electricity and heat more effectively than Brass 360. Its electrical conductivity is about 28% IACS, and its thermal conductivity is around 120 W/m·K. This makes it the preferred choice for electrical connectors, terminals, and heat exchangers.
Brass 360 has an electrical conductivity of about 26% IACS and thermal conductivity of roughly 120 W/m·K. It still conducts well enough for many uses, but its main advantage is machinability.
Obrabialność
This is where Brass 360 excels. It is the best free-machining brass alloy, with a machinability rating of 100% (the standard reference for machinability in copper alloys). It allows faster cutting speeds, smoother finishes, and longer tool life.
Brass 260 has a machinability rating of only 30%. It requires slower speeds and puts more stress on tools. For mass production of turned or threaded parts, Brass 360 is the clear choice.
Formowalność
Brass 260 is far superior for forming, zginanie, toczenie się i głębokie rysowanie. Its elongation is typically 25–50%, which allows it to stretch and deform without cracking. This makes it ideal for tubing, casings, and stamped parts.
Brass 360 has much lower ductility, with elongation in the 10–20% range. It is more likely to crack under heavy forming pressure and is rarely used for deep drawing.
Koszt
Brass 360 is usually more cost-efficient in machining. Its higher machinability reduces tool wear and allows faster production rates, lowering overall costs in high-volume manufacturing.
The raw material price difference between Brass 260 and Brass 360 is usually small. Although Brass 260 may involve higher machining costs, it saves money in forming operations where less tool stress is involved.
| Własność | Mosiądz 260 | Brass 360 |
|---|---|---|
| Composition (Cu/Zn/Pb) | 70% Cu, 30% Zn | 60% Cu, 35% Zn, ~3% Pb |
| Wytrzymałość na rozciąganie (MPa) | 310–455 | 345–620 |
| Granica plastyczności (MPa) | 95–165 | 95–200 |
| Elongation (%) | 25–50 | 10–20 |
| Hardness (Brinell HB) | 80–130 | 95–160 |
| Electrical Conductivity (% IACS) | 28 | 26 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) 120 | 120 | 120 |
| Machinability (%) | 30 | 100 |
| Odporność na korozję | Better in mild/low-salinity | Good, less resistant in aggressive environments |
| Formowalność | Excellent (drawing, bending) | Moderate, prone to cracking under heavy forming |
| typowe aplikacje | Tubing, cartridges, heat exchangers, lamp fixtures, electrical connectors | Valves, fittings, fasteners, switch components, decorative hardware |
Brass 260 vs Brass 360: Making the Right Choice
Choosing between Brass 260 and Brass 360 depends on how the part will be made and its role. Each alloy has strengths suited to specific production needs.
When to Choose Brass 260？
Brass 260 is ideal when parts need strong formability. It bends, rolls, and draws into thin shapes without cracking, making it perfect for tubing, radiator cores, and deep-drawn casings.
It also works well in electrical components that require higher conductivity, such as connectors and terminals. When corrosion resistance and thermal performance are important, Brass 260 usually outperforms Brass 360.
When to Choose Brass 360？
Brass 360 is the better choice when machining speed and efficiency are priorities. It cuts cleanly, produces smooth finishes, and reduces tool wear.
This makes it well-suited for fittings, valves, fasteners, and precision hardware. It is also cost-effective for large production runs, where machining time affects overall expenses. Brass 360 performs better than Brass 260 for threading, turning, or drilling.
Wnioski
Brass 260 and Brass 360 serve different purposes in manufacturing. Brass 260 is better for forming, bending, and electrical applications thanks to its higher copper content and ductility. Brass 360 is the best option for high-speed machining, precision parts, and cost-efficient production. The choice depends on whether your project requires forming strength or machining efficiency.
Do you need help choosing the right brass alloy for your next project? Skontaktuj się z nami już dziś for expert guidance and a fast quote tailored to your needs.
Hej, jestem Kevin Lee
Przez ostatnie 10 lat byłem zanurzony w różnych formach produkcji blach, dzieląc się tutaj fajnymi spostrzeżeniami z moich doświadczeń w różnych warsztatach.
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Kevin Lee
Mam ponad dziesięcioletnie doświadczenie zawodowe w produkcji blach, specjalizując się w cięciu laserowym, gięciu, spawaniu i technikach obróbki powierzchni. Jako dyrektor techniczny w Shengen, jestem zaangażowany w rozwiązywanie złożonych wyzwań produkcyjnych i napędzanie innowacji i jakości w każdym projekcie.
